Codes and Standards for Subsea Structures 1

[kat6787]

I'm getting ready to move more into the structural design side of the business (PLET,PLEM, and Manifold Design). My education centered mainly around fixed and floating offshore structures so I am pretty familiar with relevant API codes for platforms, but are there specific codes for subsea structures? I did a search but only found codes for subsea controls that didn't really get into the structural design of the equipment.

Cheers,
Kat

 

[Ussuri]

In my office the majority of the subsea structures are designed to the 'normal' structural design codes. We use a variety depending on where the project is, who the client is etc. You will know the codes. We use API RP2A both LRFD and WSD, AISC again LRFD and WSD, BS5950, NORSOK, NS3472.

In addition to these we often have to met the requirements of classification societies such as DNV or Lloyds, and warranty surveyors such as Noble Denton. They also publish structural design 'codes' which we work too. I use the word codes lightly because the generally specify the types of load cases , factors, and other things you must consider and refer you back to bonafide codes. The are often not just considered with the permenant works, but also the installation and transportation (seafastening, lift analysis, rigging, padeyes etc)

There is a lot more in terms of subsea specific codes when you look at subsea piping (Norsok U-001, PD8010 etc).

Some of the things we look at that may not be considered in Topsides stuff is fishing loads (making structures overtrawlable), anchor loads, dropped object loads, ROV Loads, hydrostatic collapse,

 

[GregLamberson]

Also you will run into - AWS D1.1, API RP2X, API RP 2A-WSD, API RP 14E, API RP 17A, API SPEC 17D, API SPEC 6A, NACE MR0175, and probably some others.

Greg Lamberson, BS, MBA
Consultant - Upstream Energy
Website:

http://www.oil-gas-consulting.com